Minister: Iran, Airbus Finalizing Plane Purchase Contract

Minister: Iran, Airbus Finalizing Plane Purchase Contract

Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi said Iran and Airbus will soon finalize an agreement on purchasing 118 planes from the French manufacturer.

Akhundi on Sunday denied media reports that there will be a major delay in implementing the contract.

The agreement on buying 118 Airbus planes was inked during President Hassan Rouhani's visit to paris France on Januanry 2016.

Early in April, President of Iran Civil Aviation Organization Ali Abedzadeh had said his country received new offers from three foreign aircraft manufacturing companies.

"A number of foreign firms which produce aircraft in Brazil, Canada and Japan have offered appropriate proposals to the Iranian companies in their talks," Abedzadeh, also the deputy road minister, said at the time.

Noting that in addition to the French Airbus company, Iran has held talks with Boeing, he said that the American company is seeking to start direct negotiations with the Iranian side.

Representatives from the American Boeing Company are expected to visit Tehran for talks with Iran Air and other airliners.

A statement issued by flag carrier Iran Air said the Americans will negotiate future cooperation in providing support to the national airlines.

Last March, Iran and Boeing also held talks over the purchase of new planes, with Tehran saying a deal with the American aviation giant was very likely.

Abedzadeh said talks with Boeing over the purchase of new planes were continuing, stressing that a deal with the American aviation giant was “very likely” to be sealed.